Jerusalem/Hargeisa, April 26 -- Deeping its diplomatic ties with Somaliland, Israel has formally appointed its first ambassador to the partially recognised state, drawing heavy condemnation from Somalia which called it "unauthorised incursion".
Israel became the first country in the world to recognise the independence of Somaliland, after establishing formal diplomatic ties from the breakaway state in December last year, ever since the country declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Michael Lotem, currently serving as a roving economic ambassador to Africa, will take up the post of Israel's ambassador to Somaliland.
Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland marks a sign...